Lil Durk Claims He Is “Almost Healed” On New Album
Chicago rapper Lil Durk released his eighth full-length studio album, Almost Healed on Friday, May 26. The new LP follows last year’s No. 1 album, 7220, which sold 120,500 equivalent units in its first week. Almost Healed stretches to a 56 minute and 37 second duration with 21 total tracks. Over wistful piano lines, spacey trap, and hard-hitting hip-hop beats, Durk uses his signature melodic flows and aggressive delivery. He rallies fellow chart-topping rappers 21 Savage, Future, J. Cole, and the late Juice Wrld. Additionally, Almost Healed features guest appearances from singers Alicia Keys and country artist Morgan Wallen.
“All My Life” Tops Billboard Hot 100
The first official single off Almost Healed was released on May 12 titled “All My Life” with a fantastic verse from J. Cole. The inspirational track is about resilience and sees Durk striving to make positive changes in his life. On top of that, “All My Life” scored a No. 2 debut on the Billboard Hot 100.
In addition, Durk released “Therapy Session,” featuring Alicia Keys, and “Pelle Coat” on May 25th along with a visual. As the title of the track implies, Keys is speaking to Durk like a therapist. She questions him about his traumas such as the loss of his friend and brother. She encourages Durk to free his emotions and disclose vulnerability.
Almost Healed shows an introspective Durk looking inward. He reflects on past experience and mistakes and shows determination to better himself. He paints a picture of the dangerous reality of street life, discusses loyalty, betrayal, and relationships. We see his personal development as he expresses regret, apologizes for his infidelity, and grows stronger in his faith during his grieving process. But hence the title of the album, Almost Healed, Durk still has healing to do. He still reverts to the old Durk rapping about drugs, violence, and toxic behavior.
Lil Durk Addresses King Von & India Royale Rumors
But before that, Almost Healed unpacks Durk’s trauma of watching his cousin die right in front of him on track two, “Pelle Coat.” He also addresses rumors in the media regarding King Von, his girlfriend, and mother of his India Royale and more. Durk shuts down the rumor that he set up and had any involvement in the death of King Von. He also denies rumors that he conceived a child behind India’s back.
However, Durk admits he was unfaithful to India and expresses remorse on the pop-country crossover, “Stand By Me” with Morgan Wallen.
“I could’ve been in the bed with you / I decided to hang with some bad b*****s/ Gave me another chance to prove, but she ain’t playin’ with me / I’m so sorry for that.”
Durk and Wallen sing about their needs and values in a relationship. They long for support, honesty, trust, and loyalty from their partners, even if the world turns their back on them. It should be noted, “Stand By Me” is produced by Dr. Luke who is facing charges for sexual assault.
Posthumous Juice Wrld Collaboration
Track 17 on Almost Healed , “Cross The Globe,” marks the second collaboration between the late Juice Wrld and Lil Durk. Over a chill guitar hip-hop beat, the duo raps about guns, drugs, and sex. Posthumous releases frequently spark controversy, and “Cross The Globe” is another instance. Overall, Juice’s performance is not up to par, and he raps offensive lyrics about Chinese basketball executive and former professional player Yao Ming.
Then, on the piano-heavy “Never Imagined,” Future and Durk offer advice and a sense of hope to those that succumb or had no choice but to engage in street life. Despite their grim upbringings, they were resilient and were able to achieve success.
